Net molded tantalum carbide rocket nozzle throat

A rocket motor comprising:

• a body having a first closed end and a second end and defining a chamber for containing propellant;
• a nozzle connected to the second end of the body, and being in communication with the chamber;
• and
• a venturi throat disposed within the nozzle, wherein the venturi throat includes a tantalum refractory metal ring having a generally annular shape and a central passageway defined by an inner surface, and a ceramic layer diffusion bonded to the inner surface of the metal ring, the ceramic layer being formed of a material consisting essentially of a carbide, wherein the carbide is a composition of TaC and Ta2C, and
• a diffusion bond region comprising a transition between the refractory metal ring and the ceramic layer.